ADL Welcomes New Jersey "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights"

Teaneck, NJ, October 25, 2010… The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the introduction of a comprehensive bullying prevention bill in New Jersey.

The bill, known as "The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights," was introduced by prime sponsors Senator Barbara Buono and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle.

"This represents a significant step forward in protecting New Jersey's school children from bullying and cyberbullying," said Etzion Neuer, ADL New Jersey Regional Director. "The recent tragedy at Rutgers only serves to highlight the urgent need for legislators and educators to come together and make protecting children from bullying a priority. If implemented to its fullest, this bill will not only help protect children but also help change school culture to prevent bullying in the first place."

Among the bill's many proposals, it establishes training for school personnel who interact with students coupled with strong accountability provisions. The bill also provides that a district's anti-bullying policy must include actions that occur off school grounds.

ADL served on the New Jersey Commission on Bullying in the Schools and worked on the bill with legislators along with Garden State Equality and the New Jersey Coalition for Bullying Awareness and Prevention.

The Anti-Defamation League is at the forefront in responding to bias, bullying and cyberbullying through a combination of education and legislative advocacy. More information can be found on the ADL's website www.adl.org/cyberbullying.

ADL is the world’s leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of anti-Semitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education, and fighting hate online, ADL is the first call when acts of anti-Semitism occur. ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate.

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